The Revenge of Analog: Ditching the iPhone for the ‘dumbphone’
The Revenge of Analog: Ditching the iPhone for the ‘dumbphone’
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/the-revenge-of-analog-ditching-the-iphone-for-the-dumbphone
Publish Date: 2026-05-14 17:17:00
Source Domain: news4sanantonio.com
SAN ANTONIO – While our lives continually push toward an increasingly digital future, market data reveals a persistent and growing countertrend: the “analog” resurgence.
Across the United States, consumer behavior is shifting toward physical media, driven not by the generations that grew up with it, but by younger consumers seeking an escape from digital saturation.
The Vinyl Record Dominance
The most prominent evidence of the analog comeback is found in the music industry. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) 2023 year-end report, vinyl records outsold CDs in units for the second time since 1987.
The industry saw a 10% increase in vinyl revenue, reaching $1.4 billion. This growth is largely fueled by Gen Z and Millennials; a study by Luminate found that vinyl buyers are more likely to be under the age of 40, often purchasing physical records to support artists even if they primarily listen via streaming services.
The “Dumbphone” Trend
The desire to disconnect has moved beyond hobbies and into the hardware people carry. HMD Global, the manufacturer of Nokia phones, reported a significant uptick in the sale of “feature phones” (devices without internet or social media capabilities) in the U.S. market.
Search interest for “minimalist phones” or “dumbphones” has surged as social media platforms face increasing scrutiny regarding their impact on mental health. Users are increasingly opting for devices that offer only basic calling and texting to regain control over their time.
The Growth of Physical Goods
The resurgence isn’t limited to audio. Several other analog industries are seeing measurable growth:
Film Photography: Kodak Alaris and Fujifilm have both reported unprecedented demand for 35mm film over the last three years, leading to global supply shortages and the reintroduction of discontinued film stocks.
Independent Bookstores: Despite the dominance of e-commerce, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) reported its highest membership…
